Bellator 235: Ronny Markes Comments on Josh Barnett’s Late Removal, Says HW “Was Really Sick”

Bellator’s “Salute for the Troops” card on Friday suffered a massive and late hit, as Josh Barnett wasn’t cleared to fight due to being severely ill. It sounds like the man who was supposed to fight him, Ronny Markes, has no doubt the athletic commission made the right call.

Markes comments on Barnett’s removal

Markes was booked to fight the former UFC heavyweight champ in the card’s headliner, until, as noted above, Barnett was removed from the card. The fight would have marked the Bellator debut for both men.

After the disappointing news, Markes had this to say about Barnett’s removal, while talking with the media (quote via MMA Junkie):

“I feel so sad,” Markes said. “I trained two and a half months for this fight. I really liked if this fight would happen today, but I hope Bellator (will book) me and Josh to fight again soon. I’d really like to fight him and I talked to him before and saw him and he looks sick.”

“I saw that he don’t feel good,” Markes added. “He was really sick. I was in the same situation as him in February in Brazil. … The day of my fight, I had the fever, had a lot of cold, and the same as he did right now. I said to him to stay healthy.”

“I respect him, but I hope Bellator puts this fight (on) again as soon as possible,” Markes said. “I would really like to fight in January on the same card as (Cris) Cyborg in L.A. I hope Bellator puts that fight there. …”

Ya. It’s a tough break for all the involved parties, no question. If you’ve followed Barnett over the years, and are aware of all the wars he’s been in, then you know he must have been severely ill.

It will be interesting to see if Bellator rebooks this fight for early 2020 as Markes hopes.

Bellator 235 results

Here are the complete results for Bellator 235, which went down in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7) was canceled by the Hawaii State Boxing Commission deeming Barnett unable to compete tonight due to severe illness

Toby Misech (12-7) defeated Erik Perez (19-7) via KO (punches) at 0:54 of round one

Alejandra Lara (9-3) defeated Veta Artega (5-3) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Tywan Claxton (6-1) defeated Braydon Akeo (3-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Joey Davis (7-0) defeated Chris Cisneros (19-11) via TKO (punches) at 3:55 of round one

Preliminary Card:

Hunter Ewald (1-0) defeated Brysen Bolohao (0-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:42 of round one

Joseph Creer (7-1-1) defeated Ty Gwerder (4-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-26)

Cass Bell (5-0) defeated Pierre Daguzan (5-4, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)